Evidence brought forth in the trial showed that al Saud often physically abused Abdulaziz, including an incident captured on CCTV in a hotel elevator weeks before the murder that left the servant markedly scarred. The prosecution argued that the circumstances of Abdulaziz’s death — he was found beaten and strangled, with bite marks on his cheeks — implied a “sexual element” to the murder.

Though al Saud claims he and Abdulaziz were just friends, witnesses testified that the two men gave the impression of being a homosexual couple. Other evidence showed that the prince had ordered male escorts up to his London hotel room.

Al Saud had denied the charges of murder — he admitted to manslaughter — and an additional count of grievous bodily harm with intent. He faces life in prison for the conviction; he will be sentenced Wednesday. (via AFP)